※《淨土三經》中英翻譯、謹供參考。※
《佛說觀無量壽佛經》
The Sutra On Contemplation of Amitayus
The Sutra on
Visualization of
the Buddha of Infinite Life
劉宋西域三藏法師彊良耶舍 譯Translated into Chinese during the Liu-Sung dynasty by the Tripitaka Master Kalayashas from
如是我聞，Thus
have I heard一時，At
one time佛在王舍城耆闍崛山中，the Buddha was staying on the Vulture Peak in Rajagriha與大比丘眾，千二百五十人俱。with a large assembly of
twelve hundred and fifty monks菩薩三萬二千，文殊師利法王子而為上首。He was also
accompanied by thirty-two thousand bodhisattvas led by Manjushri, the Dharma
Prince.
爾時王舍大城有一太子，At that time,
in the great city of Rajagriha, there was a prince名阿闍世，named Ajatashatru隨順調達惡友之教。Instigated by his wicked friend, Devadatta收執父王頻婆娑羅，he seized his
father, King Bimbisara幽閉置於七重室內，confined him in a
room with seven-fold walls制諸群臣，一不得往。and forbade all the
court officials to visit the king
國太夫人名韋提希，Vaidehi, the
king's consort恭敬大王，was
devoted to him澡浴清淨，After
having bathed and cleansed herself以酥蜜和麥少用塗其身，she spread over her body ghee and honey mixed
to a paste with wheat flour諸瓔珞中，filled her ornaments盛蒲萄漿，with grape juice密以上王。and secretly offered this food and drink to the king
爾時大王食麥少飲漿，He ate the flour paste and drank the juice求水漱口，and then asked for
water漱口畢已，Having
rinsed his mouth合掌恭敬，he joined his palms
in reverence向耆闍崛山遙禮世尊，and, facing the Vulture Peak, worshipped
the World-Honored One from afar而作是言：said『大目犍連是吾親友，Mahamaudgalyayana is my close friend願興慈悲，I beseech you to
have pity on me授我八戒』。and send him here to give me the eight precepts時目犍連如鷹隼飛，Then Mahamaudgalyayana flew as swift as a hawk疾至王所，to the king日日如是，授王八戒。Day after day he
came like this to give him the eight precepts世尊亦遣尊者，The World-Honored
One also sent the Venerable富樓那，Purna為王說法。likewise to the palace to
expound the Dharma to the king
如是時間，經三七日，Three weeks
passed in this way王食麥少蜜，Because he had eaten the flour-paste得聞法故，and heard the Dharma顏色和悅。he appeared peaceful and contented
時阿闍世問守門者：Then Ajatashatru asked the guard『父王今者猶存在耶？』Is my father still alive? 時守門人白言：The guard replied『大王！Great king國太夫人身塗麥少蜜，his consort
spreads flour paste over her body瓔珞盛漿，and fills her ornaments with grape juice持用上王； and offers these to
the king沙門目連及富樓那，The
monks Mahamaudgalyayana and Purna從空而來，come here through the air為王說法，to expound the Dharma
to him不可禁制。』It is impossible to stop them時阿闍世聞此語已，Hearing this, Ajatashatru怒其母曰：became furious with
his mother and said『我母是賊，與賊為伴；Because you are an
accomplice to that enemy, mother, you too are an enemy沙門惡人，Those monks are evil幻惑咒術；for with their
delusive magic令此惡王多日不死』！they have kept this wicked king alive for
many days即執利劍，So saying, he drew his sharp sword欲害其母。 , intending to kill
her
時有一臣名曰月光，At that time the king had a minister named Candraprabha聰明多智，who was intelligent and wise及與耆婆，Together with Jivaka為王作禮，he made obeisances to
the king白言：and
said『大王！Great King臣聞毗陀論經說，according to a
certain Vedic scripture劫初已來，since the beginning
of this cosmic period有諸惡王，貪國位故，殺害其父一萬八千，there have been
eighteen thousand wicked kings who have killed their fathers out of their
desire to usurp the throne未曾聞有無道害母。but we have never
heard of anyone who has committed the outrage of killing his mother王今為此殺逆之事，Your Majesty, if you commit such an outrage汗剎利種，you will bring disgrace upon the ksatriya class臣不忍聞，是旃陀羅。As your ministers, we cannot bear to hear what people will say. As this
would be the act of an outcaste我等不宜復住於此。』we could no longer
remain here
時二大臣說此語竟，Having spoken
these words, the two ministers以手按劍，郤行而退。grasped their
swords and stepped back時阿闍世，驚怖惶懼，告耆婆言：Agitated and
frightened, Ajatashatru said to Jivaka『汝不為我耶？』Are you not on my
side? 耆婆白言：Jivaka replied『大王！Your Majesty慎莫害母！』please restrain yourself and do not kill your mother
王聞此語，懺悔求救，Hearing this,
the king repented and begged their forgiveness即便捨劍，Having thrown away his sword止不害母。he stopped short of killing his mother and, instead勒語內官，閉置深宮，ordered the court officials to lock her in an inner chamber不令復出。and not to allow her to leave
時韋提希，Vaidehi被幽閉已，thus confined愁憂憔悴，grew emaciated with grief and despair遙向耆闍崛山為佛作禮，Facing the
Vulture Peak, she worshipped the Buddha from afar而作是言：and said『如來世尊， Tathagata, World-Honored One在昔之時，you used to遣阿難來慰問我；send Ananda to
comfort me我今愁憂，Now
I am in deep sorrow and distress世尊威重，無由得見，Since there is no way of my coming to look
upon your august countenance, World-Honored One 願遣目連尊者阿難與我相見。』I pray you send the Venerable Mahamaudgalyayana and the Venerable Ananda
here to see me 作是語已，When she had said these words 悲泣雨淚，tears of sorrow streamed down her cheeks like rain遙向佛禮。Then she bowed towards the Buddha in the distance
未舉頭頃，Even before she raised her head爾時世尊在耆闍崛山，the World-Honored
One, who was then staying on the Vulture Peak 知韋提希心之所念，knew Vaidehi's
thoughts and immediately即勒大目犍連及以阿難從空而來。ordered
Mahamaudgalyayana and Ananda to go to her through the air
佛從耆闍崛山沒，he himself disappeared from the mountain於王宮出。and reappeared in
the inner chamber of the royal palace
時韋提希禮已，舉頭見世尊釋迦牟尼佛，After
worshipping him, Vaidehi raised her head and saw Shakyamuni Buddha, the
World-Honored One身紫金色，He was the color of purple gold坐百寶蓮華，and was seated upon
a lotus-flower of a hundred jewels目連侍左，He was attended by Mahamaudgalyayana on his
left阿難侍右，and
Ananda on his right釋梵護世諸天，Shakra, Brahma, the guardian gods of the world
and other devas在虛空中，were
in the air about him普雨天華，Scattering heavenly blossoms like rain持用供養。they paid homage to the Buddha.
時韋提希見佛世尊，When Vaidehi saw the World-Honored One自絕瓔珞，she tore off her
ornaments舉身投地，and prostrated herself on the ground號泣向佛，白言：Weeping bitterly, she said to the Buddha『世尊！World-Honored One我宿何罪，what bad karma did I commit in former lives生此惡子？that I have borne such an evil son世尊！I wonder, World-Honored One復有何等因緣，what karmic relations與提婆達多共為眷屬？could have made you
a relative of Devadatta唯願世尊，I beseech you,
World-Honored One為我廣說無憂惱處，to reveal to me a
land of no sorrow and no affliction我當往生，where I can be
reborn不樂閻浮提濁惡世也。I do not wish to live in this defiled and
evil world of Jambudvipa此濁惡世，where there are
hells地獄餓鬼畜生盈滿，realms of hungry spirits, animals多不善聚。and many vile beings願我未來不聞惡聲，I wish that in the
future I shall not hear evil words不見惡人，or see wicked
people今向世尊，五體投地，求哀懺悔，World-Honored One, I now kneel
down to repent and beg you to take pity on me唯願佛力教我，I entreat you,
Buddha, to teach me觀於清淨業處。』how to visualize a land of pure karmic
perfection
爾時，Then世尊放眉間光，the World-Honored One sent forth from between his eyebrows a flood of
light其光金色，which was the color of gold遍照十方無量世界，and illuminated the innumerable worlds in the
ten quarters還住佛頂，Returning to the Buddha, the light settled on his head化為金臺，and transformed itself into a golden platform如須彌山；resembling Mount Sumeru十方諸佛淨妙國土，皆於中現。On the platform appeared
the pure and resplendent lands of all the Buddhas in the ten quarters或有國土，Some of these lands七寶合成；were made of seven jewels復有國土，純是蓮華；some solely of
lotus-flowers復有國土，如自在天宮；some resembled the palace
in the Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestation by Others復有國土，如玻璃鏡；while some were like a
crystal mirror十方國土，皆於中現。in which all the lands in
the ten quarters were reflected有如是等無量諸佛國土，Innumerable Buddha-lands like these嚴顯可觀，glorious and beautiful令韋提希見。were displayed to her.
時韋提希白佛言：Vaidehi then said to the Buddha『世尊！World-Honored One是諸佛土，these Buddha-lands雖復清淨，are pure and free of defilement皆有光明；and all of them are resplendent我今樂生極樂世界，阿彌陀佛所，But I wish to be born in the Land of Utmost
Bliss of Amitayus唯願世尊教我思惟，教我正受。』 I beseech you, World-Honored One, to teach me how to contemplate that land and attain Samadhi
爾時，世尊即便微笑，The World-Honored One smiled有五色光，從佛口出，and from his mouth came five-colored rays of light一一光照頻婆娑羅王頂。each shining on King
Bimbisara's head爾時，大王雖在幽閉，Although the old king was confined心眼無障，with his unhindered mind's
eye遙見世尊，he saw the World-Honored
One in the distance頭面作禮，He knelt down in homage to the Buddha自然增進成阿那含。and effortlessly made spiritual progress
until he reached the Stage of a Non-returner (Anagamin)
爾時，世尊告韋提希：Then the
World-Honored One said to Vaidehi『汝今知不？阿彌陀佛，去此不遠，Do you know that Amitayus is not far away? 汝當繫念，Fix your thoughts
upon 諦觀彼國淨業成者。and contemplate
that Buddha-land, then you will accomplish the pure acts我今為汝廣說眾譬，I shall describe it to you in detail with various illustrations亦令未來世一切凡夫，so that all ordinary people in the future欲修淨業者，who wish to
practice the pure karma得生西方極樂國土。』may also be born in
that Western Land of Utmost Bliss
『欲生彼國者，Whoever wishes to
be born there當修三福：should
practice three acts of merit一者、孝養父母，first, caring for one's parents奉事師長，attending to one's
teachers and elders慈心不殺，compassionately refraining from killing修十善業；and doing the ten
good deeds二者、受持三歸，second,
taking the three refuges具足眾戒，keeping the various precepts不犯威儀；and refraining from
breaking the rules of conduct三者、發菩提心，and third, awakening aspiration for
Enlightenment深信因果，believing
deeply in the law of causality讀誦大乘，chanting the Mahayana sutras勸進行者。and encouraging people to follow their teachings如此三事，名為淨業。』These three are called the pure karma
佛告韋提希：The Buddha further said to Vaidehi『汝今知不？Do you know that此三種業，these three acts are the
pure karma乃是過去、未來、現在、三世諸佛，practiced by all the
Buddhas of the past, present and future淨業正因。』as the right cause of Enlightenment
佛告阿難及韋提希：The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『諦聽！Listen carefully諦聽！善思念之：listen carefully and ponder deeply如來今者，I, the Tathagata為未來世一切眾生，shall discourse on pure karma for the sake of all sentient beings of the
future為煩惱賊之所害者，who are afflicted by the enemy, evil passions說清淨業，善哉韋提希，快問此事。』It is
very good, Vaidehi, that you have willingly asked me about this
『阿難！Ananda 汝當受持，you
must receive and keep the Buddha's words廣為多眾宣說佛語，and widely proclaim them to the multitude of
beings如來今者，I, the Tathagata教韋提希，shall now teach you,
Vaidehi及未來世一切眾生，and
all sentient beings of the future觀於西方極樂世界，how to visualize the Western Land of Utmost
Bliss以佛力故，By
the power of the Buddha當得見彼清淨國土。all will be able to
see the Pure Land如執明鏡，自見面像。as clearly as if
they were looking at their own reflections in a bright mirror見彼國土，』極妙樂事，Seeing the utmost beauty and bliss of that land心歡喜故，they will rejoice應時即得無生法忍。』and immediately attain the insight into the
non-arising of all dharmas
佛告韋提希：The Buddha said to
Vaidehi『汝是凡夫，You
are an unenlightened心想羸劣，and so your spiritual powers are weak and
obscured未得天眼，Since
you have not yet attained the divine eye不能遠觀，you cannot see that which is distant諸佛如來有異方便，But the Buddhas,
Tathagatas, have special ways令汝得見。to enable you to
see afar
時韋提希白佛言：『世尊！如我今者，以佛力故，見彼國土；若佛滅後，諸眾生等，濁惡不善，五苦所逼，云何當見阿彌陀佛極樂世界？』 Vaidehi said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One,
through the Buddha's power, even I have now been able to see that land. But
after the Buddha's passing, sentient beings will become defiled and evil, and
be oppressed by the five kinds of suffering. How then will those beings be able
to see the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitayus?"
佛告韋提希：The Buddha said to
Vaidehi『汝及眾生，You
and other sentient beings應當專心繫念一處，should concentrate and, with one-pointed
attention想於西方。turn your thoughts westward云何作想？How do you contemplate?凡作想者，一切眾生，All sentient beings自非生盲，except those born blind有目之徒，that is, all those
with the faculty of sight皆見日沒，當起想念。』should look at the
setting sun
『正坐西向，Sit in the proper posture, facing west諦觀於日欲沒之處，Clearly gaze at the sun令心堅住，with mind firmly
fixed on it專想不移，見日欲沒，concentrate your sight and do not let it wander from the setting sun狀如懸鼓。』which is like a drum
suspended above the horizon
『既見日已，Having done so,閉目開目，皆令明了。』you should then
be able to visualize it clearly whether
your eyes are open or closed
『是為日想，This is the
visualizing of the sun名曰初觀。』and is known as the first contemplation. To
practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
『次作水想，The Buddha said to
Ananda and Vaidehi, "After you have accomplished the first contemplation,
next practice visualization of water. Envision the western quarter as entirely flooded by
water.
見水澄清，Then
picture the water as clear and pure亦令明了，and let this vision be distinctly perceived無分散意。Keep your thoughts from being distracted既見水已，After you have
visualized the water當起水想，見水映徹，作琉璿想。envision it
becoming frozen此想成已，After you have visualized the ice as transparent to
its depth見琉璃地，see it turning into beryl 內外映徹，下有金剛，When you have attained this vision, next imagine that the beryl ground
shines brilliantly, inside and out七寶金幢，擎琉璃地。and that this
ground is supported from below by columns, which are made of diamond and the
seven jewels and hung with golden banners其幢八方八楞具足，These columns have
eight sides and eight corners一一方面，百寶所成。each side being
adorned with a hundred jewels一一寶珠，有千光明。Each jewel emits a
thousand rays of light一一光明。八萬四千色，each ray in turn
having eighty-four thousand colors映琉璃地，As they are
reflected on the beryl ground如億千日，they look like a
thousand kotis of suns不可具見。so dazzling that it
is impossible to see them in detail琉璃地上，On this beryl
ground以黃金繩，雜廁間錯，golden paths intercross like a net of cords以七寶界，分齊分明。The land is divided into areas made of one or the other of the seven
jewels, so the partitions are quite distinct一一寶中，有五百色光，Each jewel emits a
flood of light in five hundred colors其光如華，The light appears
in the shape of a flower又似星月，or a star or the
moon懸處虛空，suspended in the sky成光明臺。』it turns into a
platform of light
『樓閣千萬，on which there are
ten million pavilions百寶合成，made of a hundred jewels於臺兩邊，Both sides of this
platform各有百億華幢，are
adorned with a hundred kotis of flowered banners無量樂器，and innumerable musical instruments以為莊嚴。八種清風，As eight pure breezes從光明出，arise from the
light鼓此樂器，and play the musical instruments演說苦、they proclaim the truth of suffering空、emptiness無常、impermanence無我之音。』and no-self
『是為水想，名第二觀。』This is the
visualizing of the water and is known as the second contemplation
『此想成時，When you have
attained this contemplation一一觀之，visualize each object極令了了。quite clearly without
losing the image閉目開目，whether your eyes are closed or open 不令散失。唯除食時，恆憶此事。』Except
when sleeping, always keep it in mind. To practice in this way is called
the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect
『如此想者。名為粗見極樂國地。The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, "When the visualization of
the water has been accomplished, it is called the general perception of the
ground of the Land of Utmost Bliss若得三昧，If you attain a
state of Samadhi見彼國地，you will see this
ground了了分明，so clearly and distinctly不可具說。』that it will be
impossible to describe it in detail
『是為地想，This is the
visualizing of the ground名第三觀。』and is known as the third contemplation
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to
Ananda『汝持佛語，Keep
these words of the Buddha in mind為未來世一切大眾，and expound this method of visualizing the
ground for the benefit of the multitude of future beings欲脫苦者，who will seek
emancipation from suffering說是觀地法。若觀是地者，If one has attained
a vision of the ground of that land除八十億劫生死之罪。the evil karma
which one has committed during eighty kotis of kalpas of Samsara will be
extinguished捨身他世，必生淨國，and so one will certainly be born in the
Pure Land in the next life心得無疑。』Do not doubt this.
『作是觀者，To practice in
this way名為正觀；is
called the correct contemplation若他觀者，名為邪觀。』and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『地想成已，When you have
accomplished visualization of the ground次觀寶樹。next contemplate
the jewelled trees觀寶樹者，This is how to do
so一一觀之，Visualize each one作七重行樹想。and then form an
image of seven rows of trees一一樹高八千由旬。each being eight
thousand yojanas high其諸寶樹，七寶華葉，無不具足。and adorned with
seven-jewelled blossoms and leaves
『一一華葉，作異寶色。Each blossom and leaf has the colors of various jewels琉璃色中，出金色光；From the beryl-colored blossoms and leaves issues forth a golden light玻璃色中，出紅色光；From the crystal-colored issues forth a crimson light瑪瑙色中，出硨磲光；From the agate-colored issues forth a sapphire light硨磲色中，出綠真珠光；From the sapphire-colored issues forth a green pearl light珊瑚琥珀一切眾寶以為映飾，Coral, amber and all the other jewels serve as illuminating ornaments妙真珠網彌覆樹上。一一樹上，Splendid nets of pearls cover the trees有七重網。Between these seven
rows of nets一一網間，covering each tree有五百億妙華宮殿，there are five
hundred kotis of palaces adorned with exquisite flowers如梵王宮。』like the palace of King Brahma
『諸天童子，where celestial children自然在中。naturally dwell一一童子五百億釋迦毗楞伽摩尼以為瓔珞。Each of these children wears ornaments made of
five hundred kotis of Shakra-abhilagna-mani-gems其摩尼光，照百由旬，which light up a
hundred yojanas in all directions猶如和合百億日月不可具明。like a hundred
kotis of suns and moons shining together, and so it is impossible to describe
them in detail眾寶間錯，Manifold jewels intermingle色中上者，producing the most beautiful colors此諸寶樹，Rows of these
jewelled trees行行相當，are evenly arranged 葉葉相次。and their leaves
are equally spaced於眾葉間生諸妙華，From among the
leaves appear wonderful blossoms華上自然有七寶果。which spontaneously
bear fruits of seven jewels一一樹葉，縱廣正等二十五由旬。Each leaf is
twenty-five yojanas in both length and breadth其葉千色，有百種畫如天瓔珞，Like the celestial ornaments, the leaves are of a thousand
colors and a hundred patterns有眾妙華，These trees have
marvelous blossoms作閻浮檀金色。which are the
color of gold from the Jambu River如旋火輪，and spin like
fire-wheels宛轉葉間，among the leaves涌生諸果，From these blossoms
appear various fruits如帝釋瓶。』as from Shakra's
vase
『有大光明，and from the fruits issue forth great floods of light化成幢旛，which transform themselves into banners無量寶蓋。and innumerable
jewelled canopies是寶蓋中，Inside the jewelled
canopies映現三千大千世界，一切佛事。can be seen reflections of all
the activities of the Buddha throughout the universe of a thousand million
worlds十方佛國，亦於中現。The Buddha-lands in the ten quarters are
also reflected in them見此樹已， After you have
seen these trees亦當次第一一觀之，visualize each
detail in order觀見樹莖、the trunks, branches枝葉、leaves華果，blossoms and fruits皆令分明。』and let your vision
of all of them be clear and distinct
『是為樹想，This is the
visualizing of the trees名第四觀。』and is called the fourth contemplation. To
practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
『次當想水，The Buddha said to
Ananda and Vaidehi, "When you have accomplished visualization of the
trees, next contemplate the ponds欲想水者，This is how to do so極樂國土，In the Land of Utmost
Bliss有八池水。』there
are ponds of water possessing eight excellent qualities
『一一池水，七寶所成。each made of seven jewels其寶柔軟，which are soft and pliable從如意珠王生，The water, springing from a
wish-fulfilling king-mani-gem分為十四支，forms fourteen streams一一支作，七寶妙色，Each stream is the color of
the seven jewels黃金為渠，Its banks are made of gold渠下皆以雜色金剛，以為底沙。and its bed strewn with
diamond sand of many colors一一水中，In each stream有六十億七寶蓮華，there are sixty kotis of lotus-flowers of
seven jewels一一蓮華，團圓正等十二由旬。which are round and
symmetrical, measuring twelve yojanas in diameter其摩尼水流注華間，The water from the mani-gem
flows among the flowers尋樹上下。』and meanders between the trees
『其聲微妙，As it ripples, it produces exquisite sounds演說苦、which proclaim the
truths of suffering空、emptiness無常、impermanence,無我諸波羅密；no-self and of the Paramitas復復有讚歉諸佛相好者。Its sound also praises the physical characteristics and marks of the
Buddhas如意珠王涌出金色微妙光明，The king of wish-fulfilling
mani-gem emits a splendid golden light其光化為百寶色鳥，which transforms
itself into birds with the colors of a hundred jewels和鳴哀雅，Their songs are melodious and elegant常讚念佛、constantly praising
the virtue of mindfulness of the Buddha念法、the Dharma念僧。』and the Sangha
『是為八功德水想，This is the visualizing of the water possessing eight excellent
qualities名第五觀。』and
is known as the fifth contemplation. To
practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
『眾寶國土，一一界上，The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi, "In each region of this jewelled land有五百億寶樓。there are five hundred kotis of jewelled pavilions其樓閣中，有無量諸天，作天妓樂。in which innumerable devas play heavenly music又有樂器，懸處虛空， There are also musical instruments suspended in the sky如天寶幢，which, like those on the heavenly jewelled banners不鼓自鳴。spontaneously produce tones even without a player此眾音中，Each tone皆說念佛、proclaims the
virtue of mindfulness of the Buddha念法、the Dharma念比丘僧。』and the Sangha
『此想成已，When this
contemplation has been accomplished名為粗見極樂世界、寶樹、寶地、寶池。』it is called the general perception of the
jewelled trees, jewelled ground and jewelled ponds of the Land of Utmost Bliss
『是為總觀想，This is a composite
visualization名第六觀。』and
is called the sixth contemplation
『若見此者，Those
who have perceived these objects除無量億劫極重惡業，will be rid of extremely heavy evil karma which they have committed
during innumerable kalpas and will certainly命終之後，after
death必生彼國。be born in that land作是觀者，To practice in this
way名為正觀；is called the correct
contemplation若他觀者，and to
practice otherwise名為邪觀。』is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『諦聽諦聽，Listen carefully, listen carefully善思念之，and ponder deeply吾當為汝分別解說，I will expound
for you除苦惱法；the
method of removing suffering汝等憶持，Bear my words in mind廣為大眾分別解說。』and explain them to the multitude of beings
說是語時，When these words were spoken無量壽佛住立空中，Amitayus appeared in the air above觀世音、大勢至、是二大士，侍立左右。attended on his left and right by the two
Mahasattvas, Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta光明熾盛，So brilliant was
their radiance不可具見，that it was impossible to see them in detail百千閻浮檀金色，不得為比。They could not be compared even with a hundred thousand nuggets of gold
from the Jambu River
時韋提希，見無量壽佛已，接足作禮，After she
had this vision of Amitayus, Vaidehi knelt down in worship at Shakyamuni's feet白佛言：and said to him『世尊！World-Honored One我今因佛力故，through your power得見無量壽佛，I have been able to
see Amitayus及二菩薩，and the two Bodhisattvas未來眾生，當云何觀無量壽佛及二菩薩』？but how can sentient beings of the future see them
佛告韋提希：The Buddha said to
Vaidehi『欲觀彼佛者，Those
who wish to see that Buddha當起想念，should form an image於七寶地上，作蓮華想。』of a lotus-flower on the seven-jewelled ground
『令其蓮華，一一葉上，They visualize each petal of this flower作百寶色。as having the
colors of a hundred jewels有八萬四千月永，and eighty-four
thousand veins猶如天畫。like a celestial painting月永有八萬四千光，with eighty-four thousand rays of light issuing forth from each vein了了分明，皆令得見。They should visualize all of these clearly and distinctly華葉小者，Its smaller petals縱廣二百五十由旬。are two hundred and
fifty yojanas in both length and breadth如是蓮華，This lotus-flower具有八萬四千葉；has eighty-four thousand large petals一一葉間，Between the petals有百億摩尼珠王以為映飾。there are a hundred kotis of king-mani-gems as illuminating adornments一一摩尼珠，Each mani-gem放千光明，emits a thousand
rays of light其光如蓋，七寶合成，which, like canopies of the seven jewels遍覆地上。』cover the entire earth
『釋迦毗楞伽寶，以為其臺，此蓮華臺，The dais is made of Shakra-abhilagna-mani-gems八萬金剛甄叔迦寶，and is decorated with eighty thousand diamonds, kimshuka-gems梵摩尼寶。brahma-mani-gems妙真珠網，以為校飾。』and also with
exquisite pearl-nets
『於其臺上，On the dais自然而有四柱寶幢，four columns with
jewelled banners spontaneously arise一一寶幢，each appearing如百千萬億須彌山，to be as large as a thousand million kotis of Mount Sumerus幢上寶幔，On the columns rests a jewelled canopy如夜摩天宮，similar to that in
the palace of the Yama Heaven復有五百億微妙寶珠，以為映飾。They are also
adorned with five hundred kotis of excellent gems一一寶珠，有八萬四千光，each emitting eighty-four
thousand rays一一光作八萬四千異種金色。shining in eighty-four
thousand different tints of golden color一一金色，Each golden light遍其寶土，suffuses this jewelled land處處變化，and transforms
itself everywhere各作異相。into various forms或為金剛臺，such as diamond platforms或作真珠網，nets of pearls或作雜華雲，and nebulous clusters of flowers於十方面，In all the ten
directions隨意變現，施作佛事。』it transforms itself into
anything according to one's wishes, and performs the activities of the Buddha
『是為華座想，This is the
visualizing of the lotus-throne名第七觀。』and is known as the seventh contemplation
佛告阿難：The Buddha further
said to Ananda『如此妙華，This
majestic lotus-flower是本法藏比丘願力所成。was originally
produced by the power of the Bhiksu Dharmakara's Vow若欲念彼佛者，Those who wish to see the Buddha Amitayus當先作此華座想。should first
practice this contemplation of the flower-throne作此想時，In doing so不得雜觀，do not contemplate
in a disorderly way皆應一一觀之，Visualize the
objects one by one一一葉，each petal一一珠，each gem一一光，each ray of light一一臺，each dais一一幢，and each column皆令分明。See all of these as
clearly and distinctly如於鏡中，自見面像。as if you were
looking at your own image in a mirror此想成者，When this
contemplation is accomplished滅除五萬億劫生死之罪，the evil karma
which you have committed during five hundred kotis of kalpas of Samsara will be
extinguished必定當生極樂世界。』and you will certainly be born in the Land of Utmost Bliss
『作是觀者，To
practice in this way名為正觀；is
called the correct contemplation若他觀者，名為邪觀。』and to practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『見此事已，After you have seen this次當想佛。next visualize the Buddha所以者何？Why the Buddha?諸佛如來，Because Buddhas, Tathagatas是法界身，have cosmic bodies入一切眾生心想中。』and so enter into the meditating mind of each sentient being
『是故汝等，For this reason心想佛時，when you contemplate
a Buddha是心即是三十二相，八十隨形好，that mind itself takes the form of his thirty-two
physical characteristics and eighty secondary marks是心作佛，Your mind produces
the Buddha's image是心是佛。and is itself the
Buddha諸佛正遍知海，The ocean of perfectly and universally enlightened
Buddhas從心想生，thus arises in the meditating mind是故應當一心繫念，For this reason, you should single-mindedly concentrate諦觀彼佛，and deeply contemplate the Buddha多陀阿伽度，Tathagata阿羅訶，Arhat三藐三佛陀。』and Perfectly Enlightened One
『想彼佛者，When you visualize the Buddha先當想像，you should first
form his image閉目開目，Whether your eyes are open or closed見一寶像，perceive a jewelled image of him如閻浮檀金色，who is the
color of gold from the Jambu River坐彼華上。sitting on that
flower-throne見像坐已，When you have perceived a seated image of the
Buddha心眼得開，your mind's eye will open了了分明。and you will clearly and distinctly見極樂國，七寶莊嚴，see the
seven-jewelled glorious objects of the Land of Utmost Bliss寶地寶池，including the seven-jewelled ground, the jewelled ponds寶樹行列，the rows of jewelled trees諸天寶幔，彌覆其上，covered with
heavenly jewelled curtains眾寶羅網，and jewelled nets滿虛空中。spreading over the sky見如此事，Perceive these極令明了，as clearly and distinctly如觀掌中。』as if you were
seeing an object in the palm of your hand
『見此事已，After you have seen
this image復當更想一大蓮華，在佛左邊，visualize on the Buddha's left a large lotus-flower如前蓮華，等無有異。which is exactly the same as the one described above復作一大蓮華，在佛右邊。and then another large one on his right想一觀世音菩薩像，Visualize an image
of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara坐左華座，sitting on the
flower-seat on his left亦作金色，sending forth a
golden light如前無異，just like the Buddha image described above想一大勢至菩薩像，and then an image of the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta坐右華座。』sitting on the flower-seat on his right
『此想成時，When you have attained this vision佛菩薩像，you will see these
images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas皆放光明，其光金色，sending forth golden
rays照諸寶樹。which illuminate the jewelled trees一一樹下，Under each tree亦有三蓮華，there are also
three lotus-flowers諸蓮華上，各有一佛二菩薩像，with images of a
Buddha and two Bodhisattvas sitting on them遍滿彼國。』so that the land is completely filled with
such images.
『此想成時，When you have
attained this vision行者當聞水流光明，you will perceive the streams, rays of light及諸寶樹，jewelled trees鳧鴈鴛鴦，ducks, geese, male
and female mandarin ducks, and so forth皆說妙法。all expounding the
wonderful Dharma出定入定，Whether in
meditation or not 得聞妙法，行者所聞，you will always hear the wonderful Dharma出定之時，When you rise from
meditation憶持不捨，you should remember what you have heard, not forget
it令與修多羅合。and confirm it with the sutras若不合者，If it does not agree with the sutras名為妄想；it should be called
an illusion若與合者，but if it does agree名為粗想。it is called the
attainment見極樂世界。』of the general perception of the Land of Utmost
Bliss
『是為像想，This
is the visualizing of the Buddha-image名第八觀。』and
is known as the eighth contemplation.
『作是觀者，If you have attained
this除無量億劫生死之罪，the evil karma which you have committed during innumerable kotis of
kalpas of Samsara will be extinguished and於現身中，while in this life得念佛三昧。』you will attain the Buddha-Recollection Samadhi. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation,
and to practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『此想成已，After you have
succeeded in seeing these images次當更觀無量壽佛，next envision the
physical characteristics and the light of Amitayus. Ananda身相光明。you should realize
that his body is as glorious as阿難！當知無量壽佛，身如百千萬億夜摩天閻浮檀金色，a thousand million
kotis of nuggets of gold from the Jambu River of the Yama Heaven佛身高六十萬億那由他恆河沙由旬，and that his height
is six hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of yojanas multiplied by the number of
the sands of the Ganges眉間白毫，右旋宛轉，The white tuft of
hair curling to the right between his eyebrows如五須彌山；is five times as
big as Mount Sumeru佛眼如四大海水，His eyes are clear
and as broad as the four great oceans青白分明。their blue irises
and whites are distinct身諸毛孔，From all the pores
of his body演出光明，issues forth a flood of light如須彌山。as magnificent as Mount Sumeru彼佛圓光，His aureole如百億三千大千世界，is as broad as a hundred kotis of universes於圓光中，有百萬億那由他恆河沙化佛。Each containing a thousand million worlds一一化佛，In this aureole reside transformed Buddhas numbering as many as a
million kotis of nayutas multiplied by the number of the sands of the Ganges亦有眾多無數化菩薩，以為侍者。』Each
Buddha is attended by innumerable and uncountable transformed bodhisattvas.
『無量壽佛，The Buddha Amitayus有八萬四千相；possesses eighty-four thousand physical characteristics一一相中，各有八萬四千隨形好；each having
eighty-four thousand secondary marks of excellence一一好中，復八萬四千光明；Each
secondary mark emits eighty-four thousand rays of light一一光明，遍照十方世界，each light
shining universally upon the lands of the ten quarters念佛眾生，攝取不捨。』embracing, and
not forsaking, those who are mindful of the Buddha
『其光明相好，及與化佛，不可具說。It is impossible to describe in detail these rays
of light, physical characteristics and marks, transformed Buddhas, and so forth但當憶想，令心眼見，But you can see them clearly with your mind's eye through contemplation見此事者，Those who have envisioned them即見十方一切諸佛。see all the Buddhas
of the ten quarters以見諸佛故，Because they see
the Buddhas名念佛三昧。』this is called the Buddha-Recollection Samadhi
『作是觀者，To attain this
contemplation名觀一切佛身；is
to perceive the bodies of all the Buddhas以觀佛身故，By perceiving these亦見佛心；one also realizes the
Buddha's mind佛心者，The
Buddhas' mind大慈悲是；is
Great Compassion以無緣慈攝諸眾生。』It embraces
sentient beings with unconditional Benevolence
『作此觀者，Those who have practiced this contemplation will捨身他世，after death生諸佛前，be born in the
presence of the Buddhas得無生忍。and realize the
insight into the non-arising of all dharmas是故智者，For this reason,
the wise應當繫心，should concentrate their thoughts諦觀無量壽佛。』and visualize Amitayus
『觀無量壽佛者，In contemplating him從一相好入，begin with one of
his physical characteristics但觀眉間白毫，Visualize only the white tuft of hair between
his eyebrows極令明了。until you see it quite clearly and distinctly見眉聞白毫相者，When you visualize it八萬四千相好，all the eighty-four
thousand physical characteristics自然當現。will spontaneously
become manifest見無量壽佛者，When you see Amitayus即見十方無量諸佛。you will also see
innumerable Buddhas of the ten quarters得見無量諸佛故，Having visualized
these innumerable Buddhas諸佛現前授記。』you will receive
from each the prediction of your future Buddhahood
『是為遍觀一切色身相，This is the
general perception of all the physical characteristics of the Buddha名第九觀。』and is known as the
ninth contemplation
『作是觀者，To practice in this way名為正觀；is called the
correct contemplation若他觀者，and to
practice otherwise名為邪觀。』is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『見無量壽佛，After you have seen Amitayus了了分明已，clearly and
distinctly次亦應觀觀世音菩薩，next visualize the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara此菩薩身長八十萬億那由他由旬，His height
is eighty kotis of nayutas of yojanas multiplied by the number of the sands of
the Ganges身紫金色，His
body is the color of purple-gold頂有肉髻，and on the top of his head is a mound項有圓光，surrounded by an
aureole面各百千由旬。with a radius of a hundred thousand yojanas其圓光中，in which有五百化佛，there are five hundred transformed Buddhas如釋迦牟尼。一一化佛，Each transformed Buddha resembles Shakyamuni有五百化菩薩，and is attended by five hundred transformed bodhisattvas無量諸天，and innumerable devas以為侍者。舉身光中，In the light
emanating from his entire body五道眾生，are seen the
sentient beings of the five realms of Samsara一切色相，皆於中現。』in all their
distinct physical forms
『頂上毗楞伽摩尼寶，以為天冠。On his head he wears a heavenly crown made of Shakra-abhilagna-mani-gems其天冠中，on which有一立化佛，stands a transformed
Buddha (Amitayus)高二十五由旬。measuring
twenty-five yojanas in height觀世音菩薩，面如閻浮檀金色，The face of the
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the color of gold from the Jambu River 眉間毫相，while the tuft of hair between his eyebrows備七寶色，has the colors of the seven jewels流出八萬四千種光明。and from it issue
forth eighty-four thousand different rays of light一一光明，In each of these rays有無量無數百千化佛。dwell innumerable
and uncountable hundreds of thousands of transformed Buddhas一一化佛，無數化菩薩以為侍者，each attended by countless transformed bodhisattvas變現自在，all of whom manifest in various forms at will滿十方世界。』filling completely the worlds of the ten quarters
『臂如紅蓮華色，Avalokiteshvara's arms are the color of red lotus-flowers有八十億微妙光明，They emit eighty kotis of exquisite rays of light以為瓔珞。in the shape of ornaments其瓔珞中，in which普現一切諸莊嚴事。are reflected all the glorious objects of that land手掌作五百億雜蓮華色，The palms of his hands are the color of five hundred kotis of
various lotus-flowers手十指端，一一指端，Each of his ten
fingertips有八萬四千畫，bears eighty-four thousand signs猶如印文。like impressed patterns一一畫有八萬四千色，each with
eighty-four thousand colors一一色有八萬四千光，其光柔軟，Each color in
turn emits eighty-four thousand delicate rays of light普照一切。illuminating all beings以此寶手，With his jewelled
hands接引眾生。』he welcomes and guides sentient beings
『舉足時，When he lifts one of his feet足下有千輻輪相，the mark of a
thousand-spoked wheel自然化成五百億光明臺；on its sole
spontaneously changes into a pedestal, which emits five hundred kotis of
light-rays下足時有金剛摩尼華，布散一切，莫不彌滿。』When he puts his foot down, flowers made of diamond and
mani-gems are scattered everywhere
『其餘身相，All the other
physical characteristics and marks眾好具足，與佛無異。which he fully
possesses are the same as the Buddha's唯頂上肉髻，except for the
mound on his head及無見頂相，and the uppermost,
invisible part不及世尊。』which
are not equal to those of the World-Honored One
『是為觀觀世音菩薩真實色身相。This is the visualization of the true physical features of the
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara名第十觀。』and is known as the
tenth contemplation
佛告阿難：Then the Buddha said
to Ananda『若欲觀觀世音菩薩者，Those who wish to see the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara當作是觀。should follow the method of contemplation just mentioned作是觀者，Those who practice this contemplation不遇諸禍，will not encounter
any misfortune淨除業障，but will be freed from karmic hindrances除無數劫生死之罪。and rid of the evil karma which they have committed during innumerable
kalpas of Samsara如此菩薩，但聞其名，If you only hear
the name of this bodhisattva獲無量福，you will obtain
immeasurable merit何況諦觀？』And so, how much
more merit will you acquire if you clearly visualize him
『若有欲觀觀世音菩薩者，Those who wish
to see the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara先觀頂上肉髻，should first envision the mound on his head
and次觀天冠，next,
his heavenly crown其餘眾相，Then they should visualize the other physical
characteristics亦次第觀之，in
order悉令明了，as
clearly as如觀掌中。if they were looking at something in the palm of
the hand作是觀者，名To practice in this way為正觀；is called the correct contemplation若他觀者，名為邪觀。』and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
The Buddha said to
Ananda and Vaidehi,『次觀大勢至菩薩，Next visualize the
Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta此菩薩身量大小，The dimensions of
this bodhisattva亦如觀世音，are the same as
those of Avalokiteshvara圓光面各百二十五由旬，His aureole, two
hundred and twenty-five yojanas in diameter照二百五十由旬。shines to a
distance of two hundred and fifty yojanas舉身光明，The light emanating
from his entire body照十方國，illuminates the
worlds of the ten quarters作紫金色。making them shine
like purple-gold有緣眾生，皆悉得見。This light can be
seen by anyone, who has a close karmic relationship with him但見此菩薩，一毛孔光，Even if one sees the light emanating from only one pore of his skin即見十方無量諸佛，淨妙光明。one can perceive the pure and glorious lights of the innumerable Buddhas
of the ten quarters是故號此菩薩名無邊光。』This is why this
bodhisattva is called Boundless Light
『以智慧光，普照一切，Furthermore, he
has great power to illumine all beings with the light of wisdom令離三塗，得無上力。in order to deliver them from the three evil realms是故號此菩薩，名大勢至。』It is for this reason that he is also called Possessed of Great Power
『此菩薩天冠，The heavenly crown
of this bodhisattva有五百寶華。is adorned with five hundred jewelled
lotus-flowers一一寶華，有五百寶臺。each having five hundred
jewelled pedestals一一臺中。On each pedestal十方諸佛淨妙國土，廣長之相，皆於中現。appear the pure and resplendent lands of the
Buddhas in the ten quarters with all their boundless and glorious features頂上肉髻，The mound on his head如砵頭摩華。於肉髻上，shaped like a
lotus-bud有一寶瓶，has a jewelled vase in front盛諸光明，This is suffused with various lights普現佛事。』which reveal all
the activities of the Buddha
『諸餘身相，The rest of the characteristics of his body are如觀世音，等無有異。』exactly the
same as Avalokiteshvara's
『此菩薩行時，When this
bodhisattva walks十方世界，一切震動，all the worlds in the ten quarters shake當地動處，Wherever the earth
trembles有五百億寶華。five hundred kotis of jewelled flowers appear一一寶華，莊嚴高顯，如極樂世界。each as beautiful and brilliant as a flower in the Land of Utmost Bliss此菩薩坐時，When this bodhisattva sits down七寶國土，all the
seven-jewelled lands, from that of the Buddha Golden Light in the nadir to that
of the Buddha King of Light in the zenith一時動搖。』tremble
simultaneously
『從下方光明佛剎，乃至上方光明王佛剎，於其中間，From between these, manifested bodies of Amitayus,
Avalokiteshvara, and Mahasthamaprapta無量塵數分身無量壽佛，as innumerable as particles of dust分身觀世音，大勢至，皆悉雲集極樂國土，all
assemble like clouds in the Land of Utmost Bliss畟塞空中，filling the entire sky坐蓮華座，Sitting on
lotus-seats演說妙法，度苦眾生。』they expound the wonderful Dharma to save suffering
beings
『作此觀者，名為觀見大勢至菩薩，To
visualize thus is known as the contemplation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva是為觀大勢至色身相。and is also called the contemplation of Mahasthamaprapta's physical
characteristics觀此菩薩者，To visualize that bodhisattva in this way名第十一觀。』is known as the eleventh contemplation
『除無數劫阿僧祗生死之罪，It extinguishes the evil karma which one has committed during
immeasurable and uncountable kalpas of Samsara作是觀者，Those who practice this contemplation不處胞胎，will no longer be
subject to birth from the womb常遊諸佛，淨妙國土。』They can journey to the pure and exquisite
lands of the Buddhas
『此觀成時，名為具足觀觀世音大勢至。』These
contemplations are called the complete contemplations of Avalokiteshvara and
Mahasthamaprapta. To practice in this
way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is
incorrect
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi『見此事時，After you have
contemplated thus當起自身生於西方極樂世界，next visualize yourself as born in the Western
Land of Utmost Bliss於蓮華中，結跏趺坐，sitting cross-legged upon a lotus-flower作蓮華合想，Visualize this
lotus-flower as closed作蓮華開想。』as it opens
『蓮華開時，as it opens有五百色光，來照身想，five hundred rays
of colored light illuminate your body眼目開想，then your eyes are
open見佛菩薩，and
you see Buddhas and bodhisattvas滿虛空中。filling the sky水鳥樹林，and hear the sounds of the water, birds and trees及與諸佛所出音聲，and the voices of the Buddhas皆演妙法，all expounding the
wonderful Dharma與十二部經合。』in accord with the twelve divisions of the
scriptures
『若出定之時，When you rise from
meditation憶持不失，keep
those things in mind and do not forget them見此事已，名見無量壽佛極樂世界。』Seeing them thus is called the visualization
of the Land of Utmost Bliss of the Buddha Amitayus
『是為普觀想，This is the
comprehensive visualization名第十二觀。』and is known as the twelfth contemplation
『無量壽佛，化身無數，Innumerable
transformed bodies of Amitayus與觀世音，together with those of Avalokiteshvara及大勢至，and Mahasthamaprapta常來至此，行人之所。』will always accompany
those who contemplate thus. To
practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『若欲至心，If you sincerely desire生西方者，to be born in the
Western Land先當觀於一丈六像，you
should first picture a figure, sixteen feet tall在池水上，on the surface of a pond如先所說，無量壽佛，The dimensions
of Amitayus as previously described身量無邊，are boundles非是凡夫心力所及。and beyond the mental scope of ordinary beings然彼如來宿願力故，But, by the power of the original vows of that Tathagata有憶想者，those who contemplate him必得成就。will certainly
succeed但想佛像，得無邊福，You can acquire immeasurable merit simply
by visualizing an image of that Buddha況復觀佛，具足身相？』And so, how much
more merit will you acquire by visualizing his complete physical
characteristics
『阿彌陀佛，Amitayus神通如意，exercising
supernatural powers at will於十方國，變現自在。can freely manifest
his various forms in the lands of the ten quarters或現大身，At times he may appear as a large figure滿虛空中；filling the whole
sky或現小身，at other times as a small figure丈六八尺；only sixteen or eight feet high所現之形，The figures which
he manifests皆真金色。are all of the color of pure gold圓光化佛，及寶蓮華，The transformed Buddhas and jewelled lotus-flowers in the aureole of
each manifested form如上所說。』are like those
described above
『觀世音菩薩，及大勢至， The Bodhisattvas
Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta於一切處，have a similar
appearance, wherever they are身同眾生。Sentient beings但觀首相，知是觀世音，知是大勢至，can only tell one from the other by looking at the
emblems on their heads此二菩薩助阿彌陀佛普化一切。』These two bodhisattvas assist Amitayus in
saving all beings everywhere
『是為雜想，This is the
miscellaneous visualization名第十三觀。』and is known as the thirteenth contemplation.
To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『上品上生者，Those born in the Western Land are of nine
grades. Those who attain birth on the highest level of the highest grade若有眾生願生彼國者，are sentient
beings who resolve to be born in that land發三種心，awaken the three kinds of faith即便往生。and so are born there何等為三？What are the three?一者至誠心，They are, first, the sincere faith二者深心，second, the deep
faith三者迴向發願心；and third, the faith that seeks birth there by
transferring one's merit具三心者，Those who have
these three kinds of faith必生彼國。』will certainly be
born there
『復有三種眾生，There are three other kinds of sentient beings當得往生。who also attain birth何等為三？Who are the three?一者慈心不殺，They are, first, those who have a compassionate heart, abstain from
killing具諸戒行；and observe the precepts二者讀誦大乘，second, those who chant the Mahayana方等經典；sutras of greater
scope三者修行六念。and third, those who practice the six forms of
mindfulness迴向發願，願生彼國； They aspire to be born in that Buddha-land
by transferring there the merit of practice具此功德，With the merit
acquired from doing these acts一日乃至七日，for one to seven
days即得往生。』they attain birth.
『生彼國時，此人精進勇猛故，When an aspirant is about to be born in that land through dedicated and
undaunted practices阿彌陀如來，the Tathagata Amitayus與觀世音，arrives together with
Avalokiteshvara大勢至，Mahasthamaprapta無數化佛，innumerable
transformed Buddhas百千比丘，a great assembly of a hundred thousand monks聲聞大眾，and shravakas無量諸天，and innumerable devas七寶宮殿，in seven-jewelled
palaces觀世音菩薩，The
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara執金剛臺，carrying a vajra-seat與大勢至菩薩，together with the
Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta至行者前，approaches the aspirant阿彌陀佛放大光明，Amitayus releases
a great flood of light照行者身，which illuminates the aspirant's body與菩薩授手迎接。and, along with the bodhisattvas, extends his hands in welcome觀世音，Avalokiteshvara大勢至，and Mahasthamaprapta與無數菩薩，together with innumerable bodhisattvas讚歎行者，勸進其心。』praise and
encourage the aspirant
『行者見已，Seeing this歡喜踊躍，the aspirant rejoices so greatly as to dance自見其身，Then he sees himself乘金剛臺，sitting on the
vajra-seat隨從佛後，and
following the Buddha如彈指頃，往生彼國。』is born into that land in the time it takes to
snap one's fingers
『生彼國已，After being born in
that land見佛色身，he
sees the Buddha's body眾相具足；complete with all its physical characteristics見諸菩薩，and also the bodies
of the bodhisattvas色相具足；equally complete with all their physical
characteristics光明寶林，演說妙法。聞已，Hearing the discourse on the
wonderful Dharma sent forth by the light and the jewelled trees即悟無生法忍。he then reaches the insight into the non-arising of all dharmas經須臾間，In a single moment歷事諸佛，he visits and
worships all the Buddhas遍十方界，of the ten quarters於諸佛前，次第授記，and receives from each of them the prediction of his future Buddhahood還至本國，Returning to the Pure Land得無量百千陀羅尼門。』he is endowed with innumerable hundreds of
thousands of dharanis
『是名上品上生者。』Such a person is
called one who attains birth on the highest level of the highest grade
『上品中生者，Those who attain birth on the middle level of the highest grade不必受持讀誦方等經典。do not necessarily uphold
and chant the sutras of greater scope善解義趣，but comprehend the teachings of the Buddha so well於第一義，that when they hear the
supreme truths心不驚動，they are not dismayed深信因果，They have deep faith in the
law of karmic causes and effects不謗大乘，and do not speak slightingly of the Mahayana以此功德迴向，They transfer the merit
acquired to the Land of Utmost Bliss願求生極樂。』aspiring to be born there
『行此行者，When such an aspirant命欲終時，is about to die阿彌陀佛，Amitayus appears before him與觀世音，surrounded by
Avalokiteshvara大勢至，Mahasthamaprapta無量大眾，眷屬圍遶，and innumerable
sages and attendants持紫金臺，carrying a purple-gold lotus-seat至行者前，讚言：The Buddha praises
him, saying「法子！Son
of the Dharma汝行大乘，because
you have practiced the Mahayana解第一義，and appreciate the supreme truths是故我今來迎接汝！」I have come to
welcome you與千化佛，So
saying, he and a thousand transformed Buddhas一時授手。』extend their hands all at once towards the
aspirant
『行者自見坐紫金臺，The aspirant seeing
himself sitting on the purple-gold seat合掌叉手，joins his palms讚歎諸佛，and praises the Buddhas如一念頃，In an instant即生彼國。七寶池中，he is born in a seven-jewelled pond of that land此紫金臺，The purple-gold seat成大蓮華，has become like a
great jewelled flower經宿則開。』which opens after
one night
『行者身作紫磨金色，The body of the aspirant has become the color of purple-gold足下亦有七寶蓮華，and beneath his
feet are seven-jewelled lotus-flowers佛及菩薩，The Buddha and bodhisattvas together俱時放光，release a flood of
light照行者身，which illuminates the
aspirant's body目即開明，His
eyes open因前宿習，and
because of the store of merit from his previous life普聞眾聲，he hears voices
everywhere純說甚深第一義諦。expounding only the most profound and supreme
truths即下金臺，Descending from his golden seat禮佛合掌，he bows with joined palms讚歎世尊。』and praises the
Buddha, the World-Honored One
『經於七日，After seven days應時即於阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，得不退轉。he immediately
reaches the Stage of Non-retrogression for realizing the highest, perfect
Enlightenment應時即能飛行，He is also able to fly遍至十方，in the ten quarters, as he wishes歷事諸佛。to revere all the
Buddhas於諸佛所修諸三昧，and learn various samadhis from them經一小劫，After the lapse of a smaller kalpa得無生忍，he attains the
insight into the non-arising of all dharmas現前授記。』and receives from each Buddha the prediction
of his future Buddhahood
『是名上品中生者。』Such a person is
called one who attains birth on the middle level of the highest grade
『上品下生者，Those who attain birth on the lowest level of the highest grade亦信因果，likewise accept the law of karmic causes and effects不謗大乘，do not speak slightingly of the Mahayana但發無上道心，and awaken
aspiration for the highest Enlightenment以此功德迴向，They transfer the merit acquired to the Land
of Utmost Bliss願求生極樂國。』aspiring to be born there
『行者命欲終時，When such an aspirant is about to die阿彌陀佛，Amitayus及觀世音、together with Avalokiteshvara大勢至、Mahasthamaprapta與諸菩薩，and a host of attendants, come to welcome him持金蓮華，bringing a golden lotus-flower化作五百佛，來迎此人。and manifesting
five hundred transformed Buddhas五百化佛，Those five hundred transformed
Buddhas一時授手，extend their hands all at once讚言：and praise the aspirant, saying「法子！Son of the Dharma汝今清淨，發無上道心，since you have awakened pure aspiration for the highest Enlightenment我來迎汝！」』we have come to welcome you
『見此事時，When he has viewed
all this即自見身坐金蓮華，the
aspirant finds himself seated upon a golden lotus-flower坐已華合，which then closes隨世尊後，Following the
World-Honored One即得往生七寶池中，he immediately attains birth on a
seven-jewelled pond一日一夜，After a day and night蓮華乃開，the lotus-flower
opens七日之中，and,
within seven days乃得見佛。the aspirant
beholds the Buddha雖見佛身，Although he sees
the Buddha's body於眾相好，心不明了，he is still unable
to discern his physical characteristics and marks clearly於三七日後，But after three weeks乃了了見。he sees them
distinctly聞眾音聲，and also hears all the sounds and voices皆演妙法，proclaiming the wonderful Dharma遊歷十方，Then he can travel
in all the ten quarters供養諸佛，於諸佛前，to make offerings
to the Buddhas聞甚深法。and hear their profound teachings經三小劫，After three smaller kalpas得百法明門，he acquires clear
understanding of the one hundred dharmas住歡喜地。』and dwells in the
Stage of Joy
『是名上品下生者，Such a person is called one who attains birth
on the lowest level of the highest grade是名上輩生想，These three together are known as the contemplation of the highest grade
of aspirants名第十四觀。』and the fourteenth contemplation. To
practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to
practice otherwise is incorrect
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『中品上生者，Those who attain birth on the highest level of
the middle grade若有眾生，are the sentient beings受持五戒，who keep the five
precepts持八戒齊，observe
the eight abstinences修行諸戒，practice in compliance with various
precepts不造五逆，and
abstain from committing the five gravest offenses無眾過患， and other transgressions以此善根，迴向願求，They transfer
the merit生於西方極樂世界。』acquired to the Western Land of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born
there
『臨命終時，When such a person
is about to die阿彌陀佛，Amitayus
appears before him與諸比丘，眷屬圍遶，surrounded by a host of monks放金色光，and radiating a
golden light至其人所，演說苦、He
then expounds the truth of suffering空、emptiness無常、impermanence無我，and no-self讚歎出家，and praises renunciation of the world得離眾苦。』as the way to escape from suffering
『行者見已，Seeing this, the aspirant心大歡喜，greatly rejoices自見己身，and finds himself坐蓮華臺，seated upon a
lotus-flower長跪合掌，He
kneels down, joins his palms為佛作禮，and worships the Buddha未舉頭頃，Before he raises his
head即得往生極樂世界。』he attains birth in the Land of Utmost Bliss
『蓮華尋開，where his lotus-bud
soon opens當華敷時，When
the flower opens聞眾音聲讚歎四諦，he hears various sounds and voices extolling
the Four Noble Truths應時即得阿羅漢道。He immediately
attains Arhatship三明六通，acquires the three
kinds of transcendent knowledge and the six supernatural powers具八解脫。』and realizes the eight samadhis of emancipation
『是名中品上生者。』Such a person is called one who attains birth on the highest level of the
middle grade
『中品中生者，Those who attain
birth on the middle level of the middle grade若有眾生，are the sentient beings若一日一夜，who observe for at
least a day and night持八戒齊；the eight abstinences若一日一夜，持沙彌戒；the precepts
for a novice若一日一夜，持具足戒；or the complete precepts of a monk or a nun威儀無缺，and do not violate
any of the rules of conduct以此功德迴向願求生極樂國。』They transfer the merit acquired to the Land
of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born there
『戒香熏修。如此行者，When such an aspirant, perfumed by the virtue of observing the precepts命欲終時，is about to die見阿彌陀佛，he sees Amitayus
coming towards him與諸眷屬，with his attendants放金色光，radiating a golden light持七寶蓮華，至行者前，and carrying a
seven-jewelled lotus-flower行者自聞空中有聲，He hears a voice in
the sky above讚言：praising him, saying「善男子！Man of good deeds如汝善人，since you are virtuous隨順三世諸佛教法，and have followed
the teachings of the Buddhas of the three periods我來迎汝！」I have come to
welcome you行者自見，The aspirant finds himself坐蓮華上。seated upon the lotus-flower蓮華即合，The flower having
closed生於西方極樂世界。』the aspirant is born in the Western Land of
Utmost Bliss
『在寶池中，On jewelled pond經於七日，after seven days蓮華乃敷。華既敷已，the lotus-bud
unfolds開目合掌，and then he opens his eyes, and with joined palms讚歎世尊，he pays homage to the World-Honored One聞法歡喜，rejoices at hearing
the Dharma得須陀洹，and reaches the Stage of a Stream-Winner
(Srotapanna) 無半劫已，After half a kalpa成阿羅漢。』he becomes an Arhat
『是名中品中生者。』Such a person is
called one who attains birth on the middle level of the middle grade
『中品下生者，Those who attain
birth on the lowest level of the middle grade若有善男子，are good men善女人，and women孝養父母，who are dutiful to and care for their parents行世仁慈，and do benevolent
deeds for others此人命欲終時，When such a person is about to die遇善知識，he may meet a good
teacher為其廣說阿彌陀佛，國土樂事，who fully explains to him the bliss of the land of
Amitayus亦說法藏比丘，四十八願。』and the Forty-eight Great Vows
of the Bhiksu Dharmakara
『聞此事已，Having heard this尋即命終。he dies and in the
short time譬如壯士，it takes a strong man屈伸臂頃，to bend and
straighten his arm即生西方極樂世界。』he attains birth in the Western Land of Utmost
Bliss
『經七日已，Seven days after his
birth there遇觀世音，he
meets Avalokiteshvara及大勢至，and Mahasthamaprapta聞法歡喜，rejoices at hearing
the Dharma from them得須陀洹，and so reaches the Stage of a Stream-Winner (Srotapanna)過一小劫，After one smaller
kalpa成阿羅漢。』he
becomes an Arhat
『是名中品下生者。Such a person is called one who attains birth
on the lowest level of the middle grade是名中輩生想，These three together are known as the
contemplation of the middle grade of aspirants名第十五觀。』and the fifteenth contemplation. To practice in
this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is
incorrect
佛告阿難及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『下品上生者，Those who attain birth on the highest level of
the lowest grade或有眾生作眾惡業，are the sentient beings who commit various
evil acts雖不誹謗方等經典，but
do not slander the Mahayana sutras of greater scope如此愚人，When a foolish person
such as this多造惡法，who
has committed much evil無有慚愧，but feels no remorse命欲終時，is about to die遇善知識，he may meet a good
teacher為說大乘十二部經首題名字，who praises the titles of the twelve divisions of the
Mahayana scriptures以聞如是諸經名故，By hearing these sutra-titles除卻千劫極重惡業。he is released from the burden of evil karma which he has accumulated
during a thousand kalpas智者復教合掌叉手，Furthermore, this
wise teacher advises him to join his palms稱南無阿彌陀佛，and call, 'Homage
to Amitayus Buddha' [Na-mo-o-mi-t'o-fo]稱佛名故，Calling the name of the Buddha除五十億劫生死之罪。』extinguishes the
evil karma that the dying person has committed during fifty kotis of kalpas of
Samsara
『爾時彼佛，The Buddha then即遣化佛，sends his transformed body化觀世音，and those of
Avalokiteshvara化大勢至，and
Mahasthamaprapta至行者前，to the aspirant讚言：they praise him, saying「善男子！Well done, man of
good deeds以汝稱佛名故，By
calling the Name of the Buddha諸罪消滅，your evil karma has been extinguished我來迎汝！」and so we have come
to welcome you作是語已，When
these words are uttered行者即見化佛光明，the aspirant sees a flood of light from that
transformed Buddha遍滿其室，fill his room見已歡喜，Having seen this, he rejoices即便命終，and dies乘寶蓮華，Seated on a jewelled
lotus-flower隨化佛後，he
follows the transformed Buddha生寶池中。and is born on a
jewelled pond經七七日，In seven weeks蓮華乃敷。』the lotus-bud opens
『當華敷時，When the lotus-bud opens大悲觀世音菩薩，Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Great
Compassion及大勢至菩薩，and
Mahasthamaprapta放大光明，住其人前，appear before him, releasing great floods of light為說甚深十二部經。and explain to him the extremely profound teachings of the twelve
divisions of the scriptures聞已信解，Having heard these,
the aspirant accepts them in faith發無上道心，and awakens
aspiration for the highest Enlightenment經十小劫，After ten smaller
kalpas具百法明門，he acquires clear understanding of the one hundred
dharmas得入初地。』and
enters the First Stage of Bodhisattvahood
『是名下品上生者。』Such a person is
called one who attains birth on the highest level of the lowest grade. Thus he
is born by hearing the Name of the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha -- that
is, the Three Treasures
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『下品中生者，Those who attain birth on the middle level of
the lowest grade或有眾生，are the sentient beings毀犯五戒，who violate the five
precepts八戒，the
eight precepts及具足戒，or
the complete precepts of a monk or a nun如此愚人，A foolish person such as these偷僧祗物，steals from the
Sangha盜現前僧物，or
takes the personal belongings of monks不淨說法，or preaches the Dharma with impure motives無有慚愧。but feels no remorse以諸惡業，而自莊嚴。如此罪人，Thus he defiles
himself by evil karma以惡業故，and because of this應墮地獄，he will fall into hell命欲終時，When he is about to
die地獄眾火，and the flames of hell一時俱至。』suddenly close in on him
『遇善知識，he may meet a good teacher以大慈悲，who compassionately即為讚說阿彌陀佛，十力威德，explains to
him the ten supernal powers of Amitayus廣讚彼佛，光明神力，fully describing the majestic power of the
light of that Buddha亦讚戒定慧，his virtues in the observance of the precepts,
meditation, wisdom解脫，emancipation解脫知見；and knowledge of emancipation此人聞已，When he has heard
this除八十億劫生死之罪，the evil karma which he has committed during eighty kotis of kalpas of
Samsara are extinguished地獄猛火化為清涼，thus, the fierce flames of hell turn into cool風吹諸天華，and refreshing
breezes, wafting heavenly flowers華上皆有化佛菩薩，On each flower is
a transformed Buddha accompanied by bodhisattvas迎接此人。』welcoming him
『如一念頃，In an instant即得往生七寶池中，蓮華之內，he attains birth
within a lotus-bud on a seven-jewelled pond經於六劫，After six kalpas蓮華乃敷。the lotus-bud opens觀世音，and then Avalokiteshvara大勢至，and Mahasthamaprapta以梵音聲，安慰彼人，comfort him with their noble voices為說大乘甚深經典。and teach him
profound Mahayana sutras聞此法已，Upon hearing these應時即發無上道心。』he immediately awakens aspiration for the highest Enlightenment
『是名下品中生者。』Such a person is
called one who attains birth on the middle level of the lowest grade
佛告阿難，及韋提希：The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi『下品下生者，Those who attain birth on the lowest level of
the lowest grade或有眾生，are the sentient beings作不善業，who commit such evils五逆十惡，as the five gravest
offenses, the ten evil acts and all kinds of immorality具諸不善，Owing to such evil
karma如此愚人，the
fool like this以惡業故，應墮惡道，will fall into evil realms經歷多劫，受苦無窮。』and suffer endless
agony for many kalpas
『如此愚人，臨命終時，When he is about to die遇善知識，he may meet a good teacher種種安慰，who consoles him in
various ways為說妙法，teaching
him the wonderful Dharma教令念佛，and urging him to be mindful of the Buddha彼人苦逼，不遑念佛；but he is too
tormented by pain to do so善友告言：The good teacher then advises him「汝若不能念彼佛者，If you cannot
concentrate on the Buddha,應稱無量壽佛，then you should say instead, ' Homage to Amitayus Buddha' 如是至心，In this way, he sincerely令聲不絕，and continuously says具足十念，稱南無阿彌陀佛。」'Homage to Amitayus Buddha' [Na-mo-o-mi-t'o-fo] ten times稱佛名故，Because he calls the Buddha's Name所念念中，with each
repetition除八十億劫生死之罪。』the evil karma which he has committed during eighty kotis
of kalpas of Samsara is extinguished
『命終之時，When he comes to die見金蓮華，he sees before him a
golden lotus-flower猶如日輪，like the disk of the sun住其人前，如一念頃，and in an
instant he is born即得往生極樂世界。』in the Land of
Utmost Bliss
『於蓮華中，Within a lotus-bud滿十二大劫，after twelve great kalpas蓮華方開，the lotus-bud opens.
When the flower opens觀世音，Avalokiteshvara大勢至，and Mahasthamaprapta以大悲音聲，teach him with voices of great compassion為其廣說諸法實相，除滅罪法。the method of extinguishing evil karma through the realization of
Suchness of all dharmas聞已歡喜，Hearing this, he
rejoices應時即發菩提之心。』and immediately awakens aspiration for Enlightenment.
『是名下品下生者。。』Such a person is called one who attains birth on the lowest level of the
lowest grade是名下輩生想，These three together are known as the contemplation
of the lowest grade of aspirants名第十六觀. and the sixteenth
contemplation
說是語時，As the Buddha
delivered these words韋提希與五百侍女，Vaidehi and her five hundred female attendants聞佛所說，listened to his
teaching應時即見極樂世界廣長之相，Having envisioned the boundless features of the Land of
Utmost Bliss得見佛身，the
Buddha (Amitayus)及二菩薩，and the two bodhisattvas心生歡喜，Vaidehi rejoiced in
her heart歎未曾有，Wonder-struck
at this revelation豁然大悟，she attained great awakening with clarity of
mind逮無生忍。and reached the insight into the non-arising of all
dharmas五百侍女，Her five hundred female attendants發阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心，awakened aspiration for the highest, perfect Enlightenment願生彼國。and desired to be born in that land世尊悉記，The World-Honored
One gave all of them assurances皆當往生。生彼國已，that they would be
born there獲得諸佛現前三昧。and that they would then attain the Samadhi of
Being in the Presence of All the Buddhas無量諸天，Innumerable devas發無上道心。also awakened aspiration for the highest Enlightenment
爾時阿難即從座起，Then Ananda rose from his seat,
stepped forward白佛言：and
said to the Buddha『世尊！World-Honored One當何名此經？what should we call this sutra此法之要，當云何受持？』and how should
we receive and retain the essentials of its teaching佛告阿難：The Buddha answered『此經名觀極樂國土無量壽佛、Ananda, this
sutra is called the Visualization of the Land of Utmost Bliss, of the Buddha
Amitayus觀世音菩薩、and
of the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara 大勢至菩薩，and Mahasthamaprapta亦名淨除業障、It is also called
the Purification and Elimination of Karmic Hindrances for Attaining Birth生諸佛前，in the Presence of
All the Buddhas汝當受持，Hold
fast to this sutra無令忘失。』and do not forget
it
『行此三昧者，Those who practice this samadhi現身得見無量壽佛，will be able to
see, during their lifetime, the Buddha Amitayus及二大士。and the two
Mahasattvas若善男子，If good men及善女人，or women但聞佛名，simply hear the Name of this Buddha二菩薩名，or the names of
those two bodhisattvas除無量劫生死之罪，the evil karma
which they have committed during innumerable kalpas of Samsara will be
extinguished何況憶念？』And so, how much more merit will they acquire if
they concentrate on them
『若念佛者，當知此人，You should know
that all who are mindful of that Buddha則是人中分陀利華。are like white
lotus-flowers among humankind觀世音菩薩，the Bodhisattvas
Avalokiteshvara大勢至菩薩，and Mahasthamaprapta為其勝友；become their good
friends當坐道場，They will sit in the place of Enlightenment生諸佛家。』and be born into the
family of the Buddhas
佛告阿難：The Buddha further
said to Ananda『汝好持是語，Bear
these words well in mind持是語者，To bear these words in mind即是持無量壽佛名。』means to hold
fast to the Name of the Buddha Amitayus
佛說此語時，When the Buddha had
spoken thus尊者目犍連，the
Venerable Mahamaudgalyayana尊者阿難，Venerable Ananda及韋提希等，Vaidehi and all the others聞佛所說，皆大歡喜。greatly rejoiced to hear the Buddha's discourse
爾時世尊，Then the World-Honored One足步虛空，還耆闍崛山。returned to the Vulture Peak through the air爾時阿難，There Ananda廣為大眾，fully explained to
the assembly說如上事。what had happened無量諸天、Innumerable humans,
devas龍、nagas夜叉，yaksas , and all the other
beings聞佛所說，皆大歡喜，greatly rejoiced to hear the Buddha's
teaching禮佛而退。Having
worshipped the World-Honored One, they departed
